Fraternity-Building in Rome
Sister Maureen and Sister Rachel from Brahma Kumaris, UK were in Rome this week for a conference entitled Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jains and Sikhs in Europe: Building Fraternity through Dialogue and Collaboration. Organised by the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue at the Vatican, it took place at the historic Pontifical University of St Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum).
The conference explored how Europe’s increasing religious diversity can serve as a catalyst for social cohesion rather than division. Spiritual leaders and scholars from the various Dharmic traditions came together to share and listen to each one’s perspective on human dignity and spiritual interconnectedness and how these are the essential foundations for addressing the global challenges we all are facing today. Key themes included the need for genuine dialogue which moves beyond an intellectual exercise into practical service and collective responsibility.
His Eminence Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, Prefect, Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, set the tone in his inaugural address:
‘At the heart of all spiritual paths lies peace.’
Sister Maureen moderated an inspiring and heart-warming session on Sharing of concrete, joyful experiences of mutually enriching integration and peaceful living together. Particularly powerful was the contribution from two young Hindu men, who had the courage to speak openly about challenges they had personally faced and difficult conversations often avoided. Sister Marta, a member of Brahma Kumaris Spain’s National Co-ordinating Committee, speaking about Fraternity as the foundational basis for social and religious cohesion in society, said:
‘Dialogue must move beyond tolerance to genuine appreciation of diversity through deep listening respect and self transformation.’
On the second morning, delegates had the opportunity to be present at the General Audience with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV in St Peter’s Square and experience the sanctity and benevolence of the gathering and His Holiness’s humility and warmth.
Summing up the conference, Rev P. Ben Bose Chellappan said:
‘Peaceful co-existence is not enough; the task is to transform diversity into fraternity and shared values into shared action. It is our collective responsibility to build these bridges of social friendship and peace.’
Msgr. Santiago Michael, of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, who was instrumental in convening and co-ordinating the conference, brought the gathering to a close with the following stirring words:
‘We can do great things; we can do small things with great love. Together we can do something wonderful…. Let us move to more and more practical levels of dialogue. Let us foster relationships of trust and respect with everyone that we meet.’
